Parents Council

Mission 

The University of New Hampshire Parents Council exists to strengthen connections and advance initiatives that support student success both on campus and after graduation. The Council is dedicated to fostering positive relationships between families and UNH, keeping parents informed, and providing them with a voice on campus. 

 
Apply for Parents Council
 

Applications for UNH Parents Council open each year from June 1 - August 1

If you have any questions about joining Parents Council, contact parents.council@unh.edd

Objectives

  • Support Student Transitions: Ease the transition to UNH for incoming students and their families through welcome events and information sharing. 

  • Enhance the Student Experience: Contribute to student success through grants, prizes, support for the Undergraduate Research Conference, select advocacy initiatives, and career networking participation. 

  • Foster Connections: Create opportunities for families to engage with their students and the UNH community through events like Family Weekend, social media, and regional UNH gatherings. 

  • Support Families: Provide guidance and resources to parents through the UNH Parents Facebook page, answering questions, offering advice on navigating university processes, and ensuring families have the information they need to support their students. 

What We Do

The Parents Council meets monthly, using a combination of in-person and virtual formats. Meetings feature discussions, planning sessions, and presentations from campus leaders representing departments like Health & Wellness and Campus Recreation. Additionally, Parents Council members volunteer at many campus events such as Orientation, Move-in, and Commencement.

Each member serves on at least one standing committee, collaborating through conference calls and contributing to initiatives between meetings. The committees include: 

  • Campus Connections: Collaborates with UNH departments to identify and implement initiatives that benefit students and families. Members support projects focused on student well-being, community engagement, and campus resources. The committee also explores new opportunities to strengthen the parent-student-university connection. Examples include partnering with Psychological and Counseling Services to promote mental wellness and organizing donation drives for the UNH Cats Cupboard.   

  • Communications and Social Media: Primarily manages and moderates the UNH Parents Facebook page, providing timely information, answering questions, and fostering a supportive community for families. Members may also assist in editing website content and family communications as needed. Additionally, they partner with UNH departments to host online events like webinars and livestreams on topics such as housing, graduation, athletics, and campus safety. 

  • Family Weekend: Works alongside the Office of New Student and Family Programs in yearly planning of Family Weekend. Each year the committee reviews the previous year’s Family Weekend, identifies opportunities for new programs and improvements, plans schedules, organizes volunteer efforts, supports event logistics, and coordinate prize donations. 

  • Student Enrichment: Reviews and awards student grant applications, supporting projects that benefit scholarship, student learning, and the enhancement of the UNH community. Grants of up to $4,000 are awarded to student organizations and up to $1,000 to individual students. Committee members play a key role supporting student initiatives that positively impact the university. 

The Parents Council is a valued part of the UNH community, making a meaningful impact on the student experience. If you’re passionate about supporting students and connecting with other families, consider joining the Council during the next application cycle. 

For a detailed understanding of the Council's structure, responsibilities, and governance, please review the Parents Council Bylaws

Parents Council Bylaws